Testing methods and apparatuses using simulated servers

ABSTRACT

The present application pertains to testing methods and apparatus useful in single phase or two-phase liquid immersion cooling systems. Single phase systems use a fluid similar to mineral oil in which to immerse the servers. As the fluid is heated by the operating servers the fluid is circulated to one or more heat exchangers for cooling so the fluid never boils. In contrast, two-phase systems cool heat generating computer components which cause a dielectric fluid in its liquid phase to vaporize. The dielectric vapor is then condensed back into a liquid phase and used to cool the computer components. Using the testing methods and apparatuses herein one may design and test more efficient components and systems. More specifically, the one or more heating elements are both passive and intelligent. They may be used to mimic the power load of a server which is used in the load testing of immersion cooling so actual servers are not required to test various aspects of the liquid immersion cooling units.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 17/370,237 issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 11,224,144 on Jan. 11, 2022 which application was a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 17/136,113 filed Dec. 29, 2020 and issuing on Jul. 13, 2021 as U.S. Pat. No. 11,064,634. U.S. Ser. No. 17/136,113 claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/981,098 filed Feb. 25, 2020 which application is incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to PCT application published as WO2020/102090 filed Nov. 11, 2019 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This application relates to the application of testing methods and apparatuses for single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling and more particularly to testing and apparatuses for testing vapor management systems useful for single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling using simulated servers.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Single phase immersion cooling systems and processes are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,992,914 which is incorporated herein by reference. Single phase systems may immerse the computer components or servers in a suitable liquid coolant such as a dielectric liquid coolant, including without limitation vegetable oil, mineral oil (otherwise known as transformer oil), or any liquid coolant having similar features (e.g., a non-flammable, non-toxic liquid with dielectric strength better than or comparable to air). The coolant is circulated to a heat exchanger which removes heat absorbed by the coolant so it is cooled and recycled. Two-phase liquid immersion cooling systems and processes are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,477,726 which is incorporated herein by reference. In such systems and processes heat generating computer components cause a dielectric fluid in its liquid phase to vaporize. The dielectric vapor is then condensed back into a liquid phase and used to cool the computer components. Such systems are complex and must be designed to be both efficient and effective to adequately protect the expensive computing components from damage due to, for example, excess heat and/or impurities in the system. Accordingly, what is needed are testing methodologies and testing apparatuses so one may optimize designs and/or ensure that a particular design will perform as needed to protect the computing components in a single phase or two phase system.

Advantageously, the present application meets the aforementioned needs and more. In one embodiment, the present application, pertains to a heat blade assembly for testing single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling components. The assembly comprises a chassis; a heat carrying material operably connected to the chassis; one or more wiring termination blocks configured to distribute electrical current through a circuit to the heat carrying material; one or more fuses between the wire termination blocks and heat carrying material; a current transducer configured to acquire data relating to operating current; and a solid state relay configured to allow control of the assembly by a multi-unit testing management system.

In other embodiments, the present application pertains to various testing methods employing the heat blade assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary heat blade.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary chassis.

FIG. 3 shows a heat carrying material wrapped around or otherwise attached to coil winding substrates.

FIG. 4 shows exemplary wiring termination blocks.

FIG. 5 shows a number of fuse holders and fuses for an exemplary heat blade.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary current transducer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Testing Apparatuses Properties and Capabilities

The testing of a single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling platform may employ or require apparatuses with varying degrees of sophistication and capabilities. Depending on the testing objectives, the apparatus may employ require one or more of the following properties or capabilities described herein.

Generating a Predictable Amount of Heat

In order to effectively test the various liquid and vapor management systems within the single phase or two phase liquid immersion platform, the use of a testing apparatuses which is capable of producing an adequate quantity of heat may be required. Typically, such apparatuses would be capable of generating a quantity of heat approximately equal to the amount of heat a comparably sized production component would consume.

Dissipating the Heat Throughout the Apparatus in a Fashion Conducive with the Fluid(s) in which the Apparatus Will be Tested

The immersion fluid(s) used within the single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling platform may have varying properties with respect to their heat transfer capabilities. To that end, the testing apparatuses must be designed to generate heat throughout their heat generating surfaces in a fashion consistent with those heat transfer capabilities. Care must be taken to ensure that the heat generated by the apparatuses does not exceed the capabilities of the fluid(s).

Consuming an Appropriate Amount of Power Based on the Capabilities of the System and Associated Hardware

In addition to the heat transfer capabilities of the fluid(s) being employed by the single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling platform, the design of the testing apparatus must also consider the current carrying capacities and general power limits of the other components involved in delivering power to the testing apparatus and rejecting the heat generated therefrom. Care must be taken to ensure that the power consumption of the testing apparatus does not exceed the power delivery limits and the heat generated does not exceed the heat rejection capabilities of the single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling platform.

Providing the Ability to be Controlled and Operated as Part of a Multi Unit Testing Management System to Generate Varying Degrees of Heat

Each of the testing apparatuses used within the single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling system must include the capability to be controlled via a centralized multi unit testing management system. This system will have the capability to activate and deactivate each of the individual testing apparatuses being used within the testing process.

Providing the Capability for the Operating Conditions of the Apparatus, Including its Current Operating Power Load, to the Testing Management System

Each of the testing apparatuses used within the single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling system must include the capability to provide data relating to its current power consumption to the multi unit testing management system. This data is of critical importance in both verifying the proper operation of the testing apparatus and verifying that a sufficient quantity of power is being consumed, and heat being generated, to achieve the testing objectives.

Being Designed in a Form Factor and with Appropriate Power, Robotic and Mechanical Interfaces Compatible with the Platforms Existing Racking and Component Management Subsystems

The testing apparatuses used within the single phase or two phased liquid immersion cooling system must be designed in a fashion sufficient for interfacing with the power, robotic, and mechanical interfaces within the system. This includes being designed of a size similar or identical to the other components which will be used within the system, have the same robotic interface mechanisms, use the same guide rails, and have the same power and grounding interfaces as used by other system components.

Providing Sufficient Equipment and Life Safety Mechanisms to Ensure Safe Operation

Each testing apparatus must be designed in a fashion sufficient to ensure operator safety and equipment safety. These mechanisms include ensuring that all apparatuses are assembled in a workman like manner, employ proper termination and connection fittings, demonstrate evidence of proper quality inspection and evaluation, have adequate grounding interfaces, and include appropriately sized and specified fusing or breakering mechanisms.

Heat Blade Assembly and Components

FIG. 1 shows a representative complete assembly which may be referred to as a heat blade 100. The heat blade of shown in Figure is comprised of a number of components. First, it has an appropriate case or chassis 101, designed with adequate mechanical and electrical interfaces to allow for the apparatuses use within the single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling system with which it will be used. An exemplary chassis 101 is shown in FIG. 2.

The heat blade also comprises a number of coil winding substrates 121 which contain sufficient mechanical interfaces to allow for attachment to the case or chassis and to support a heat carrying material 122. In some embodiments the heat blade or hydrofire rod may be within a chassis and the number of heat blades within a chassis could be adjusted depending upon the amount of heat desired. The heat carrying material may be any material that will conduct sufficient heat for testing. Generally, any wire or other material which has sufficient resistance in an appropriate electronic circuit that generates a sufficient degree of heat may be employed. In some embodiments it may be advantageous if the heat carrying material 122 has a sufficient ratio of surface area relative to the quantity of heat being generated. In this manner the generated heat can be effectively dissipated within the immersion cooling fluid without unduly drying out too much (or any) of the surface of the heat carrying material. An exemplary heat carrying material is, for example, nickel chromium wire.

Nickel chromium wire and/or other appropriate heat carrying material may be provided in any suitable configuration to generate heat and conduct testing. In some embodiments the length and/or width of a wire employed may be varied depending upon the fluid to be employed in the single phase or two phase immersion cooling system. In this manner the amount of heat provided by the heat carrying material to the fluid may be adjusted for a particular fluid. An exemplary configuration may be one in which an appropriate heat carrying material 122 is wrapped around or otherwise attached to coil winding substrates 121 as shown in FIG. 3. Other suitable configurations may include those which provide an effective distribution of heat while preventing shorts or arcing that interfere with testing or unduly damage the equipment. In one embodiment horizontal bars running in the same direction as the coil winding substrates 121 shown in FIG. 3 and comprised of a metal or other substance of sufficient heat generation capability may be a suitable alternative. In such a case the horizontal bars that are in addition or in place of FIG. 3's coil winding substrates 121 could be attached to the heater blade using an appropriate attachment such as non-conductive standoffs.

The heat blade of FIG. 1 also typically comprises a number of wiring termination blocks 131. The blocks facilitate the connection and distribution of current over a circuit passing through the coils of heat carrying material 122. Exemplary wiring termination blocks 131 are shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments resistors may be employed in the heat blade to control the amount of current and thereby control the amount of heat added depending upon, for example, the type of fluid employed.

The heat blade of FIG. 1 also typically comprises a number of fuse holders 112 and fuses 111 as shown in FIG. 5. These are typically placed in line within the wires between the wiring termination blocks and the coils of heat carrying materials.

The heat blade of FIG. 1 also may comprises a current transducer 141 through which one side of the current carrying circuit is run. This facilitates acquisition of data relating to the operating current of the device by a multi-unit testing management system. An exemplary current transducer 141 is shown in FIG. 6.

The heat blade of FIG. 1 also may also comprise a solid state relay (not shown). The solid state relay may have one side of the relay wired to the testing apparatuses power input connection while the remainder of the circuit is wired to the output side within the testing apparatus. This facilitates control of the apparatus by the multi-unit testing management system.

If desired, the system may include a management system that could automatically adjust one or more of the testing system parameters such as heat to be provided to the blade based on the type of fluid selected, size of the system, and other parameters. For example, the heat blade could be made such that it can provide different amounts of heat depending upon the system power and/or whether the fluid is a fluoroinert, mineral oil, or some other fluid. In this manner, power can be adjusted without burning of the heat blade. That is, the watts per unit of volume of fluid may be made adjustable depending upon the type of fluid. In this manner the one may test the system up to the limits of a given fluid.

Testing Methodology

The testing of a single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling system may employ one or more tests to ensure the proper design, construction and operation of the unit.

Seal Testing

The general purpose of the seal testing process is to employ testing apparatuses to generate heat within a single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling system and verify that the system is sealed appropriately. Typically, the unit is filled to its normal fluid level, populated with testing apparatuses, and made ready for standard operation. The testing apparatuses are energized, heat is created, and vapor is generated. The apparatuses continue to operate until the unit is at a full steady state condition and throughout the remainder of the testing process. A number of leak detection mechanisms, including, for example, integrated and handled halogen based refrigerant leak detectors are used to confirm that the seals are working properly.

Circulation and Filtering Testing

The general purpose of the circulation and filtering testing process is to ensure that the circulation and filtering systems within the single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling system are working properly. The unit is filled to its normal fluid level, populated with testing apparatuses, and made ready for standard operation. The testing apparatuses are energized, heat is created, and vapor is generated. The apparatuses continue to operate until the unit is at a full steady state condition and throughout the remainder of the testing process. The circulation and filtering system is activated. The system is confirmed to be working properly through, for example, the visual verification of fluid being circulated throughout the single phase or two phase liquid immersion cooling system and by analyzing and verifying data generated by differential pressure sensors, if any, installed within the circulation system.

Vapor Management System Testing in Two Phase Systems

The general purpose of the vapor management testing process is to ensure that the bellows and vapor recovery systems employed by the vapor management system are working properly. The unit is filled to its normal fluid level, populated with testing apparatuses, and made ready for standard operation. The testing apparatuses are energized, heat is created, and vapor is generated. The apparatuses continue to operate until the unit is at a full steady state condition and throughout the remainder of the testing process. The vapor management systems are activated. The bellows is confirmed to be operating properly by visually verifying that it inflates as expected. The vapor absorption process within the vapor management system is confirmed to be operating correctly by verifying that the bellows is deflated, and the vapor therein has been absorbed. The vapor desorption process within the vapor management system is confirmed to be operating correctly by verifying that the temperature within the vapor management unit is decreasing as the re-liquified vapor flows towards the bottom of the unit.

Specifications

The system specifications may vary depending upon the power employed, the materials, heat generation ranges, temperatures, and the like. Generally, the load within the test system should be similar electrically and/or similar thermally to what may be experienced in routine operation of the system at issue. Typically, the target temperature may be driven by the fluid in the system. Such temperatures vary but may be, for example, 50-60 C. Similarly, the target power densities of the blade may be tied to the power levels, e.g., 6000 watts, employed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A heat blade assembly for testing immersion cooling components comprising: a heat carrying material configured for use within an immersion cooling system; one or more blocks configured to distribute electrical current through a circuit to the heat carrying material; a transducer configured to acquire data relating to the electrical current; and a testing management system to control the assembly.
 2. The heat blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat carrying material is a wire.
 3. The heat blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat carrying material is a nickel chromium wire.
 4. The heat blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat blade assembly further comprises coil winding substrates.
 5. The heat blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat blade assembly further comprises coil winding substrates and wherein the heat carrying material is wound around the coil winding substrates.
 6. The heat blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat blade assembly further comprises coil winding substrates and wherein the heat carrying material is wound around the coil winding substrates and wherein the heat carrying material is a nickel chromium wire.
 7. The heat blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat blade assembly is configured to generate heat comparable to a blade server in the absence of a blade server.
 8. A heat blade assembly for testing immersion cooling components comprising: a heat carrying material configured for use within an immersion cooling system wherein the heat carrying material comprises wire; one or more blocks configured to distribute electrical current to the heat carrying material; a current transducer configured to acquire data relating to the electrical current; a multi-unit testing management system to control the assembly; and coil winding substrates; wherein the wire is wound around the coil winding substrates.
 9. The heat blade assembly of claim 8, wherein the heat blade assembly is configured to generate heat comparable to a blade server in the absence of a blade server.
 10. The heat blade assembly of claim 8, wherein the heat blade assembly is configured to be heated to from about 50° C. to about 60° C.
 11. The heat blade assembly of claim 8, wherein the wire is nickel chromium wire.
 12. A process for testing an immersion cooling tank for cooling server blades wherein the process comprises: replacing server blades with a heat blade assembly configured to generate heat; filling the immersion cooling tank with fluid; and operating the immersion cooling tank; wherein the heat blade assembly configured to generate heat comprises: a heat carrying material; one or more blocks configured to distribute electrical current through a circuit to the heat carrying material; a current transducer configured to acquire data relating to the electrical current; and a multi-unit testing management system to control the assembly.
 13. The process of claim 12 which further comprises analyzing data from one or more differential pressure sensors located within the immersion cooling tank.
 14. The process of claim 12 which further comprises analyzing data from one or more temperature sensors located within the immersion cooling tank.
 15. The process of claim 12, wherein the heat blade assembly configured to generate heat is comparable to server blades in the absence of server blades and further comprises: a nickel chromium wire as the heat carrying material; one or more fuses between the blocks and heat carrying material; and coil winding substrates; wherein the nickel chromium wire heat is wound around the coil winding substrates.
 16. The process of claim 15 wherein the heat blade assembly is configured to be heated to from about 50° C. to about 60° C.
 17. The process of claim 12 wherein the immersion cooling tank is operated at a steady state condition.
 18. The process of claim 12 which further comprises testing the immersion cooling tank for leaks.
 19. The process of claim 12 which further comprises employing a differential pressure sensor in the immersion cooling tank and analyzing data generated by the differential pressure sensor.
 20. The process of claim 12 which further comprises employing a vapor management system and testing the vapor management system. 